Chantal Naomi Lima Barbosa is a daughter of Cabo Verdean immigrants. She was born in Boston and raised in Praia, Cabo Verde. In 2010, Lima Barbosa returned to Boston, attending the Jeremiah E. Burke High School where she graduated as valedictorian in 2012. She went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 2016 and a Masters of Higher Education and Administration in 2018 from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.  

Lima Barbosa began her career in public service in February 2020, when she was appointed by Mayor Walsh to serve as the liaison to the Dorchester and the Cabo Verdean communities in the Office of Neighborhood Services. She was a critical resource for residents learning to navigate City services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She also served as the liaison to the City Council in the Office of Intergovernmental Relations. She currently serves as director of recruitment at Duet, a higher education coaching non-profit.